Madura proves love for cows

PAMEKASAN, East Java: Eighty percent of poor villagers on the island of Madura who are eligible for a government aid program say they want to use the money to buy cows.

The government has identified villages in four districts in Madura -- Bangkalan, Sampang, Sumenep and Pamekasan -- as deserving of aid for impoverished villages.

Hasbullah, a governor's aide who oversees the island, said he was overwhelmed by villagers' requests that the government give them cows because they are experienced in cattle breeding.

"Although none of the four districts have a sizable prairie, they are eager to breed and produce quality cattle," he said as quoted by Antara.

"Madura islanders have unquestionable skills in cattle breeding because historically, they have close relations with cows, which have become a symbol of their culture," he said. (pan)